Five phrases are all you'll need to get along in this part of Ireland. If you learn to use them fluently you can hold your own in almost any conversation. Not only will they help to keep the patter flowing, they'll also lend you an aura of wisdom that the natives will respect. Repeat after me: Nothing strange in the world. I'm easy. Ah, what harm? There's no panic on … [Read more...] about Talking Tremane
Culture
Rose Festival Saved
The future of the Rose of Tralee Festival, which features girls of Irish ancestry from around the world competing for the festival crown, was in grave doubt at the end of 2003, when Siobhán Hanley, the event's chief executive admitted that they needed to raise Euro250,000 to save the annual event. The Irish government refused to bail out the festival, saying that Euro500,000 … [Read more...] about Rose Festival Saved
Macklin’s Cross
It looks like it's trying to clear this morning, though waves of drizzle betimes pass through. Our friend Thomas says "betimes." I like it. A little while ago our neighbors Anne and Joe Kelley stopped to tell us that Joe Macklin had died during the night. The Macklins live in the small house on the crossroads at the end of our lane, where we turn to go into Roscommon. It's … [Read more...] about Macklin’s Cross
A Day in Capitan Sarmiento
The alarm clock rang. My consciousness slowly roused. 5:30, the illuminated digital figures hazily proclaimed. I steadily regained my faculties after what amounted to about four hours sleep. What in God's name was I doing getting up at this unearthly time? I was supposed to be on vacation. Forty-five minutes later, following a tepid shower and a breakfast consisting of coffee … [Read more...] about A Day in Capitan Sarmiento
Kate Rusby and Josh Kelley Out Now
Kate Rusby Underneath the Stars Underneath the Stars is Kate Rusby's first studio album in three years, and even if it had taken her ten, it would have been worth the wait. From the opening song, "The Goodman," Rusby will have you under the spell of her beautiful and powerful voice. It's rare to hear anyone sing as well as this, with effortless range, a charming lilt and … [Read more...] about Kate Rusby and Josh Kelley Out Now